SAN DIEGO — California Governor Gavin Newsom has welcomed a newborn into his family, making headlines across the state.
Newsom has recently started a video podcast, and he's excelled at ensuring it gets the attention needed among the over 3 million podcasts out there: publicity.
There’s no shock in that revelation. Those fortunate enough to reside in California are well aware that Newsom isn’t merely an adept political figure but also a consummate marketer. The item he enjoys peddling above all else happens to be his greatest passion: himself.
The Democratic governor was unsuccessful during his two terms due to a series of poor choices. Chief among them was keeping public schools closed for over a year and shifting to online education throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, motivated not by student safety but by compliance with influential teacher unions whose members did not want to go back into classrooms.
Nevertheless, California Republicans are well aware that Newsom possesses highly refined political abilities. Dismissing his capabilities could be risky for you. Consider him similar to former President Bill Clinton but with greater consistency. Alternatively, think of him like President Donald Trump but with a fully operational mind.
Titled "This is Gavin Newsom," the podcast enables the governor to promote himself nationally as a potential Democratic candidate for president in 2028. Additionally, it showcases his willingness to consider fresh concepts, innovative strategies, and alternative viewpoints—even from those he typically disagrees with—if they present compelling arguments.
This leads us to the primary manner in which Newsom has garnered notice for his podcast, subsequently drawing focus back to himself. By inviting conservatives, GOP strategists, and figures from the alt-right media landscape onto his program, he aims to uncover their motivations. Among those who have appeared as guests are Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA; Steve Bannon, an ex-advisor to President Trump; and controversial radio host Michael Savage.
Additionally, Newsom leverages these conversations with conservative Republicans to openly question established Democratic beliefs and critique cherished liberal ideas. For example, in March, when speaking with Kirk, Newsom — an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community—stated that he found it unjust for transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports. This ability of Newsom to think beyond conventional boundaries makes it more difficult for Republicans to categorize him easily.
Ultimately, Newsom attracts attention by admitting that certain criticisms of the Democratic Party hold merit. He believes Democrats must engage more effectively with ordinary citizens whom liberal factions often patronize or dominate. He opposes open borders,cancel culture,defunding the police,and using the term "Latinx" for describing Latinos. Actually,in a recent segment on HBO’s “Real Time,”he shared with host Bill Maher that“the Democratic brand is currently toxic.”
"It’s quite different to create a commotion versus making meaningful points. The chance to engage in dialogue through this podcast with individuals whose views differ from mine offers an occasion to seek shared understanding rather than resorting to easy jabs,” Newsom explained to Maher.
Newsom isn't mistaken about the Democratic Party experiencing tough times — let alone dismal poll results.
A recent CNN survey indicated that the Democrats' popularity dropped to an all-time low of 29%, as measured since 1992. In contrast, the Republican party held a slightly higher approval rating at 36%.
In interviews, people frequently ask me about my thoughts on what is wrong with the Democratic Party and which miraculous solution I think can fix it.
The Democrats are lying flat on the mat because they have terrible candidates, champion so-called "80-20" issues (where they enjoy the support of just 1 in 5 voters) and fail miserably in terms of messaging. Worse than all that, they don't who to be anymore.
The solution—never mind. What I say, what Newsom says, or anything anyone else says simply does not make much of a difference. The fact is, Democrats tend to be poor listeners. They often disregard criticisms, including those meant constructively. Any dissent within their group is typically unwelcome, and individuals expressing such dissent may face repercussions. MostDemocrats prefer to hear nothing but accolades from like-minded supporters since that’s all they seem capable of processing.
Incidentally, everything that shapes Democrats into a perfect fit for Republicans applies because they share identical viewpoints.
The old Chinese saying states that "once the student is prepared, the instructor will emerge."
It's clear that Democrats haven't yet figured out how to begin claiming victories. Therefore, they may as well settle into defeat.
For additional information on Ruben Navarrette and to read contributions from other columnists and illustrators at the Syndicate, check out their website at www. .
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